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Introduction
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Market Position
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Vehicle Class:
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Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon (Sport Sedan/Touring)
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Key Selling Points:
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Driving dynamics, premium interior, performance, all-wheel drive capability (xi variant).
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Competitive Analysis
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Direct Competitors:
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Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 Quattro, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35.
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Key Features
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Premium Offering:
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The 330xi represented a potent blend of BMW's renowned driving experience with the added traction and stability of its xDrive all-wheel-drive system, targeting consumers who demanded performance in all-weather conditions.
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Manual Value Proposition:
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This manual is an indispensable resource for owners and independent repair shops looking to maintain or repair the E46 330xi with factory-level accuracy and detail.
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Manual Details
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Coverage Areas
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Manual Type:
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Full Service & Repair Manual
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Applicable Years:
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1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
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Primary Model Variant Covered:
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330xi (e.g., Sedan, Touring, Coupe, Convertible specific information might be included within the broader E46 context, but the focus is on the xi variant).
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Page Count
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Estimated Page Count:
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Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive manuals of this era and complexity)
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Manual Type
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Manual Format:
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Digital (PDF likely), Print available
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Language
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Language:
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English
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine Mechanical:
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Complete overhaul, timing systems, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system.
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Engine Management:
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Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control systems (OBD-II diagnostics), sensors, actuators, ECU.
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Transmission Drivetrain:
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xDrive all-wheel drive system (transfer case, differentials, driveshafts), automatic and manual transmission service, clutch, driveshaft, wheel bearings.
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Brakes:
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Hydraulic system, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, parking brake.
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Suspension Steering:
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Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), steering rack, power steering system, wheel alignment.
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Electrical Electronics:
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Wiring diagrams, component locations, battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems, power windows, central locking, climate control electronics, instrument cluster, DME (Digital Motor Electronics).
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Body Chassis:
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Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, underbody components, chassis structural information.
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs), fluid checks and top-offs, brake inspections, tire rotations.
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Troubleshooting:
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Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
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Repair:
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Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair across all major systems.
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Diagnostics:
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Detailed diagnostic procedures utilizing scan tools and multimeter measurements, including specific BMW diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
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Special Tools:
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Identification and usage instructions for specialized BMW tools required for certain procedures.
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Technical Depth
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Depth Level:
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Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics).
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Code:
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M54B30
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Engine Type:
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Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves
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Displacement:
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2979 cc (3.0 Liters)
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Performance
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Horsepower Peak:
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225 hp @ 5900 RPM
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Torque Peak:
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214 lb-ft (290 Nm) @ 3500 RPM
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Fuel System
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Fuel Induction:
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Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.x)
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Recommended Fuel:
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Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
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Cooling System
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Coolant Type:
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BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent.
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Lubrication
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Engine Oil Capacity:
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6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change.
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Recommended Engine Oil:
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BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) synthetic oil, typically SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30.
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Transmission
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Standard
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Transmission Type:
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5-speed Automatic (Steptronic)
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Optional
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Transmission Type Manual:
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6-speed Manual
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Features
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Drivetrain:
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xDrive All-Wheel Drive System (Variable Torque Distribution)
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Fluid Specifications
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Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
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BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent approved by BMW, e.g., Pentosin ATF1, ZF Lifeguardfluid5)
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Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
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BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent approved by BMW, e.g., Pentosin MTF2)
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Transfer Case Fluid Type:
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BMW Transfer Case Oil (e.g., ATF D-H) or specialist lubricant.
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Dimensions
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Exterior
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Wheelbase:
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Approx. 107.4 inches (2728 mm)
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Length:
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Approx. 177.4 inches (4506 mm)
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Width:
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Approx. 68.5 inches (1739 mm)
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Height:
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Approx. 56.0 inches (1422 mm)
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Weights
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Curb Weight:
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Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg) depending on configuration.
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Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
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Varies by body style and options, typically around 4500-4700 lbs.
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Towing Capacity:
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Not typically advertised or recommended by BMW for this model.
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Safety Features
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Ratings
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NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
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5-Star (for models tested)
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IIHS Moderate Overlap Front Crash Rating:
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Good (for models tested)
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Active Features
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Stability Control:
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Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard.
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Traction Control:
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Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) / Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).
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Braking System:
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Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard, all-wheel disc brakes.
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Passive Features
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Airbags:
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Front airbags, side airbags (front and rear optional on some models).
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Seatbelts:
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3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
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Chassis Structure:
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Reinforced safety cell and crumple zones.
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
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Spark Plug Replacement:
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Typically 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum or iridium).
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Coolant Flush:
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Initial fill for life, but recommended replacement every 4-5 years or 50,000-60,000 miles for optimal protection.
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Transmission Service:
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BMW typically lists transmissions as 'filled for life,' but independent specialists recommend fluid and filter changes for automatics around 60,000-100,000 miles. Manual transmission fluid rarely needs replacement unless issues arise.
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Fluid Specifications
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Brake Fluid Type:
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DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4 Plus (BMW Super Blue) for DSC systems.
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Power Steering Fluid Type:
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Pentosin CHF 11S or CHF 202 (Green fluid).
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Windshield Washer Fluid:
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BMW Windshield Washer Fluid or equivalent with frost protection.
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Known Issues
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Crankcase Ventilation:
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PCV valve and hoses can clog, leading to rough idle, oil leaks, and increased oil consumption.
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Cooling System:
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Plastic expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump and thermostat failure can occur.
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Rear Axle Mounts:
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Differential mounting bushings can wear out, causing clunking under acceleration/deceleration.
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Oil Pan Gaskets:
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Oil pan and valve cover gaskets are prone to aging and leaks.
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ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
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Sensors can fail, triggering ABS and DSC warning lights.
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Bmw Philosophy:
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BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused vehicles with excellent handling and performance.
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Model Evolution
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E46 Introduction:
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The E46 generation of the 3 Series was introduced in 1998, succeeding the E36. It was praised for its improved chassis dynamics, refinement, and technology.
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330Xi Introduction:
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The 330xi variant, featuring the more powerful 3.0L M54 engine and xDrive all-wheel drive, was introduced later in the E46's lifecycle, offering enhanced performance and all-weather capability.
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Production
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Production Years:
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E46 generation: 1998-2006 (sedans and coupes), 330xi models primarily 1999/2000-2005.
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Manufacturing Locations:
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Primarily Dingolfing, Germany; also plants in South Africa, Mexico, Egypt, Russia, and Thailand.
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